Aug 18, 2011

Study Finds Rapidform Is "The Only Viable Choice for Parametric Solid Modeling" from 3D Scans

INUS Technology, Inc has announced that a recent U.S. Air Force-funded study evaluating CAD and reverse engineering software concluded that Rapidform XOR stands alone in its ability to create parametric solid models from 3D scan data. The study was conducted by Dr. Kuang-Hua Chang of the University of Oklahoma and published in the journal CAD and Applications (www.cadanda.com). This study offers an unbiased, expert opinion that confirms Rapidform XOR is the only viable choice for creating parametric CAD models from 3D scans.

INUS Technology invented the concept of creating parametric CAD models directly from 3D scans with the release of Rapidform XOR in 2006, and XOR remains the product of choice for those serious about fast and accurate reverse engineering of physical parts. The U.S. Air Force frequently needs to regenerate designs of decades-old parts, and so commissioned the University of Oklahoma to study both 3D scanning software and hardware to determine the best available technology. INUS Technology had no knowledge of the study or its outcome until it was published in CAD and Applications.

Dr. Chang and his students surveyed the landscape of software available for converting 3D scans into parametric solid models usable in CAD, evaluated and then tested the front runners using practical examples. “We used five different examples in two rounds of testing,” said Dr. Chang. “The first round was surface modeling, and in the second round, we focused on parametric solid building.”

“We found that Rapidform is the only viable option that is able to support parametric modeling and transferring the solid model to CAD systems,” Dr. Chang continued. “When we say ‘viable option’, it’s based on two things. One is the time and effort, the other is the accuracy.” According to Chang, other software “was able to generate a parametric solid model, but it took a long time and the solid model created was not very accurate.”

“It’s very rewarding to see an unbiased study recognizing the value of Rapidform XOR compared to other 3D scanning software,” noted Calvin Hur, INUS Technology’s CEO. “Thousands of customers have already recognized that Rapidform XOR is the best choice for reverse engineering, but this is the first objective study that confirms which software is best-in-class. We encourage anyone considering 3D scanning technology to read this paper to make a well-educated decision on their reverse engineering software solution.”

The entire paper, including technical details of each tested software, is available for free download at www.rapidform.com/reverse-engineering-study.